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Liverpool midfielder James Balagizi recalled from Forest Green Rovers loan

Liverpool midfielder James Balagizi is back on Merseyside after his season-long loan at Forest Green Rovers was formally terminated. The 22-year-old joined the National League side in August 2025, linking up with manager Robbie Savage, but a hamstring injury curtailed his campaign after 10 senior appearances.

Forest Green confirmed the decision on Tuesday afternoon, issuing a statement across their official website and social platforms. On X, the club said: ‘We can confirm James Balagizi has returned to Liverpool. The 22-year-old made 10 appearances for Rovers, scoring a last-minute equaliser against Scunthorpe United earlier in the season.

‘We would all like to thank James for his contributions this season, and we wish him the very best for the rest of his career.’

Balagizi’s most recent outing for Forest Green came on 31 October 2025, in an FA Cup defeat to Luton, a 2-1 loss that marked his final competitive minutes before injury struck. In the weeks that followed, he continued his rehabilitation at Liverpool’s training base, working under the club’s medical team to accelerate his recovery.

Forest Green Rovers spell, What went wrong?

The midfielder arrived in Gloucestershire with optimism and pedigree, a product of Liverpool’s academy who had impressed during his formative years. Quick off the mark, dynamic in possession and capable of late drama, he showed flashes of the talent that once prompted Crawley manager Kevin Betsy to forecast a ‘fantastic career’ after Balagizi’s 2022 loan stint.

Yet the Forest Green move became another chapter disrupted, his hamstring injury impeding momentum and limiting his impact under Savage’s system. Ten appearances might not read like a headline haul, but that late equaliser against Scunthorpe United underscored his knack for pivotal moments, even in a compact cameo sample.

Contract situation and Liverpool future

Balagizi’s recall marks the third time he has returned to Liverpool in January after intended season-long loans were shortened. With his contract at Anfield set to expire in June 2026, and no competitive senior appearances for the Reds, the clock is ticking on his chances of carving out a long-term future at the club.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has overseen a squad overhaul geared toward control, intensity and tactical clarity. Slot’s midfield blueprint demands relentless availability and rhythm, a challenging stage for a player seeking fitness, form and continuity after recurring loan setbacks.

Balagizi was twice named on Liverpool’s bench during domestic cup ties in 2021/22, but never stepped onto the pitch for a competitive senior minute. Now 22, the need for a stable run of football has arguably never felt more pressing.

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